Heat pump in gulf coast?
#1
09-08-05, 09:22 PM
Heat pump in gulf coast?
I am currently looking to replace my air conditioner with a more efficeint unit, Trane or AM Standard. I am retired and not going anywhere. I am most concerned with my electric bill in the long summers here...I have a less than 1600 SF ranch on slab and currently have a gas furnace, which I hate. I've already dealt with a gas leak and it makes me nervous... I would like to switch back to electric heat, and my question is would it be worth it for me to go to a heat pump or high efficiency air conditioner and electric heat? I have friends tell me that when they switched to a heat pump their power bill went down in the summer, but I am wondering if that is just because they purchased a more efficient unit... My current air conditioner is 10 years old and a 2 ton unit. It mostly cools pretty well, except for the few days of heat wave we have every summer with temps in the high 90's... I live in Mobile, AL...Thanks for any advice you can offer.
#2
09-09-05, 04:12 AM
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kimbercin
First of all, I hoped you and your home survived Katrina with no injury or damage.
Your location would make a heat pump an excellent choice of HVAC equipment. I would suggest that a Manual J heat/cool load calculation be performed by a reputable dealer that would correctly size a heat pump. Two tons seems undersized.I have included a website that has a fuel calculator for comparing gas vs electric heat pump-you would need to find out your rates. Both Trane/Am Std make excellent heat pumps. Today's heat pumps actually produce warm heat compared to older models and usually are more cost effective than a gas furnace. While it may be possible to use your gas furnace for back-up heat on very cold days, I think I would just decommission the furnace altogether. This would mean you would need a heat pump outside condensor unit with an inside air handler. I suggest a heat pump with minimum 13-14 SEER for AC and an HSPF of 9+ for heating. I am assuming your ductwork is in the ceiling. Your ductwork should be thoroughly inspected as to condition, size, and insulation. Good equipment, good ductwork, good install equals a comfortable and satisfied customer.
http://www.warmair.net/html/fuel_cost_comparisons.htm
Good LucK!
First of all, I hoped you and your home survived Katrina with no injury or damage.
Your location would make a heat pump an excellent choice of HVAC equipment. I would suggest that a Manual J heat/cool load calculation be performed by a reputable dealer that would correctly size a heat pump. Two tons seems undersized.I have included a website that has a fuel calculator for comparing gas vs electric heat pump-you would need to find out your rates. Both Trane/Am Std make excellent heat pumps. Today's heat pumps actually produce warm heat compared to older models and usually are more cost effective than a gas furnace. While it may be possible to use your gas furnace for back-up heat on very cold days, I think I would just decommission the furnace altogether. This would mean you would need a heat pump outside condensor unit with an inside air handler. I suggest a heat pump with minimum 13-14 SEER for AC and an HSPF of 9+ for heating. I am assuming your ductwork is in the ceiling. Your ductwork should be thoroughly inspected as to condition, size, and insulation. Good equipment, good ductwork, good install equals a comfortable and satisfied customer.
http://www.warmair.net/html/fuel_cost_comparisons.htm
Good LucK!
#3
09-09-05, 04:24 AM
I was concerned mostly about reducing the power bill in the summer, and was thinking the heat pump mostly save on the winter heating bill, which is not a big concern since winter is so short here. I was also thinking that one unit doing two jobs would not have the same life span as two separate units, and being retired, i want this thing to last as long as possible without replacement. Does this change your opinion any on choosing a heat pump over an air conditioner with a high seer and an electic heat unit?
We are fine here after Katrina..thanks!
We are fine here after Katrina..thanks!
#4
09-09-05, 04:34 AM
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If you went with straight a/c with an airhandler w/electric package the condensor would have a few years over the heatpump if both were maintained equally. The heat pump would more than likely save you on your energy bill and if maintained properly could easily last 15 - 20 years but normally around here they last in the 12 - 15 year life. You might get 5 extra years out of a straight a/c unit "again" if properly maintained and installed.
Installation and maintenance are the key items for the long life of and hvac system.
Installation and maintenance are the key items for the long life of and hvac system.
#5
09-09-05, 04:42 AM
Just so I know I am understanding, the heat pump would save me on energy cost in the cooling months over a conventional air conditioner with the same seer, or are the heat pumps just able to achieve a higher seer? I have it in my mind that the energy savings in mostly in the heating months... This is what I am confused about ...
Thanks so much for your input...
Thanks so much for your input...
#6
09-09-05, 04:49 AM
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kimbercin
SEER is a calculation that determines operating efficiency for air conditioning. Do you have any idea what is the SEER rating for your current system? The higher SEER, the more you will save on operating cost. But also, the higher SEER the more the upfront cost will be. You the homeowner has to determine where the balance is within your budget. A high efficient heat pump system will save $$$ in the summer air conditioning season but you have to decide if there is a justified payback. For example, a 12 SEER system vs a 14 SEER system.
Generally, a heat pump system does not have the same life compared to a straight AC system with a gas furnace. But with good maintenance, it should provide you many yrs of service and keep in mind that the heat pump performs two jobs rather than one job. I do not like the idea of a straight AC with just strip electric heat. I still believe a heat pump is an excellent choice. I have a new heat pump and also live in the South.
My opinion.
SEER is a calculation that determines operating efficiency for air conditioning. Do you have any idea what is the SEER rating for your current system? The higher SEER, the more you will save on operating cost. But also, the higher SEER the more the upfront cost will be. You the homeowner has to determine where the balance is within your budget. A high efficient heat pump system will save $$$ in the summer air conditioning season but you have to decide if there is a justified payback. For example, a 12 SEER system vs a 14 SEER system.
Generally, a heat pump system does not have the same life compared to a straight AC system with a gas furnace. But with good maintenance, it should provide you many yrs of service and keep in mind that the heat pump performs two jobs rather than one job. I do not like the idea of a straight AC with just strip electric heat. I still believe a heat pump is an excellent choice. I have a new heat pump and also live in the South.
My opinion.
#7
09-09-05, 05:13 AM
I don't know what the seer is on the present unit, probably whatever was recommended back in the mid ninties when it was installed... I do remember that we went up in size at that time to a 2 ton and I was told that would help save on fuel costs, but I didn't find that to be so... Now I am wondering if a larger unit is recommended this time that it may cost more to run because it is a larger unit and may offset some of the savings gained from the higher seer on the heat pump.
I apologize for all the questions, but this is my first system purchase since becoming a widow, and I want to do it right...
Knowing that you live in the South and chose a heat pump makes it appear to be a very prudent choice for me as well...
Thanks!
I apologize for all the questions, but this is my first system purchase since becoming a widow, and I want to do it right...
Knowing that you live in the South and chose a heat pump makes it appear to be a very prudent choice for me as well...
Thanks!
#8
09-09-05, 05:38 AM
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kimbercin
I suspect your SEER was probably in the 8-10 SEER range which was good efficiency at that time. In 2006, the minimum gov't SEER for AC units will be 13 SEER.
Let an HVAC pro help you with determining the correct size of either a heat pump or an AC condensor. An undersized or oversized unit will hurt you in both comfort and operating efficiency. An undersized unit will have longer run cycles and in extreme temps might run continuously which will run up your electric bills. Obviously based on your location, you will want enough cooling capacity to keep you comfortable in your longer summer season. Good dehumidification is important as well. Again, Trane and Am Std make good heat pumps. Only go with authorized dealers that have a good track record in your service area.
Good LucK!
I suspect your SEER was probably in the 8-10 SEER range which was good efficiency at that time. In 2006, the minimum gov't SEER for AC units will be 13 SEER.
Let an HVAC pro help you with determining the correct size of either a heat pump or an AC condensor. An undersized or oversized unit will hurt you in both comfort and operating efficiency. An undersized unit will have longer run cycles and in extreme temps might run continuously which will run up your electric bills. Obviously based on your location, you will want enough cooling capacity to keep you comfortable in your longer summer season. Good dehumidification is important as well. Again, Trane and Am Std make good heat pumps. Only go with authorized dealers that have a good track record in your service area.
Good LucK!
#10
09-09-05, 09:56 AM
You will be very pleased with the high SEER heat pump equipment on the market today, huge strides in technology have been made in the last 10 to 15 years. 13 SEER will be the new minimum next year that manufactures can build.a The difference in ooperating cost and comfort level between a ten year old 10 SEER and a new 13 SEER is a bunch on a properly installed matched system. Buy the highest SEER brand name HP you can afford. I like to see a payoff period of around 5 to 7 years.
#11
09-12-05, 04:43 AM
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Originally Posted by kimbercin
Just so I know I am understanding, the heat pump would save me on energy cost in the cooling months over a conventional air conditioner with the same seer.
No....It would save you money on your energy bill over electric resistance heat.
